Last week, the world witnessed a man who was once the centre of jokes and internet memes about his hair, small hands, and unfiltered language become President-elect of the United States. With worry and fear in the minds of millions over the direction the country will head with Republican Donald Trump as Chief of State, many are certain of one thing: nothing
Harlan Green, editor and publisher for an online business wire, describes the situation in his Huffington Post blog post, “What, Now A Trump Recession?” Throughout his presidential campaign, President-elect Trump’s rhetoric incited hate and anger towards one of the United States’ largest minority groups: Mexicans. In particular, he channelled his frustrations at illegal immigrants from America’s southern neighbour, stating that, as president, he would use his state powers to deport millions of illegal immigrants from the country. What does this entail for the U.S? Green states that this level of mass deportation would “devastate agriculture, construction, and any other industry that relies on low-cost labour…” resulting in a decline in the American economy. I concur with this sentiment, as the Pew Research Centre found in a 2014 study that 26% of agricultural workers and 15% of construction workers were undocumented. Deporting such a large number of workers, then, would undoubtedly lead to huge devaluations of, and damage to, the stocks of many publically-traded companies and businesses in these industries. Furthermore, agricultural companies and construction firms will be forced to change their operational strategies in order to adapt to this hypothetical reduction in workers. In the end, output and production levels in these industries will dramatically decrease, meaning food shortages in the U.S. and elsewhere, slow infrastructure development, and slow/stagnant economic growth. Beyond deportation, a Republican-controlled White House, Senate, and House of Representatives means the possible abolition of Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, endangering the millions of people who benefit from them.
Why am I examining this blog? For one, it tackles the side of illegal immigration that most people don’t acknowledge: its positive impact. The word illegal in itself means forbidden by law, so it subconsciously conjures up thoughts of criminal behaviour. Green, however, examines the situation objectively and fairly, recognising the real implications that mass deportation would have on U.S. industries and the U.S. economy as a whole. As well, the Huffington Post is a well-regarded online news source and blog, giving Green credibility.
From my perspective, all that is left to do is watch how the next four years will unfold. Much of Trump’s rhetoric during the campaign was inflammatory, provocative, and infeasible in nature, appealing to people unsatisfied with present-day politics and politicians. All we can hope for, now, is a good Trump presidency.
Word Count: 447